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ALUMNI AND STUDENTS 




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St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., 




DELIVERED 22ND FEBRUARY 1850. 




BY ALEXANDER RANDALL, Esq., 




OP ANNAPOLIS. 

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ANNAPOLIS: 




ROBERT F. BONSALL, PRINTER. 




1850. 



AN ADDRESS 



TO THE 



ALUMNI AND STUDENTS 



St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., 



DELIVERED 22ND FEBRUARY 1850. 



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BY ALEXANDER RANDALL, Esq., 
OF ANNAPOLIS . 



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ANNAPOLIS: 
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CORRESPONDENCE 



ANNAPOLIS, 22nd February 1850. 

Hon. Alexander Randall, 

Dear Sir : 
We have the honor to inform you that, at a meeting of the Alumni of 
St. John's College, which was held immediately after the ceremonies of the 
Commencement of to-day were ended, the undersigned were directed to ten- 
der to you, in their name, their sincere thanks for the able and interesting 
Address you pronounced before them. 

We take pleasure in losing no time in discharging the agreeable duty 
assigned us, by thus tendering you the thanks of the Alumni ; and ask to be 
allowed the expression of the hope, that no obstacle will interpose to prevent 
you from yielding, at a very early day, to the request they make. 

We will take the occasion to add, that we are well assured that the early 
publication of your address, replete as it is with sound sentiments and patri- 
otic principles, will be welcomed by many Citizens besides the Alumni. 

We beg therefore that, at your earliest convenience, you will furnish a 
copy for publication. 

We are, dear Sir, 

Very Respectfully, 

Y'r Obedient Servants, 

Brice T. B. Worthington, 
Thos. Karney, 
Frank H. Stockett. 



ANNAPOLIS, 27th February 1850. 

For Messrs. B. T. B. Worthington, Thomas Karney, Frank H. Stockett, Esqs., 
Dear Sirs, 
In complying with the request of the Alumni, made known to me by you, 
desiring for publication a copy of the Address I delivered before them and the 
Students of St. Johns, let me assure you that I feel sincerely grateful for the 
complimentary terms in which they and you regard it — the more grateful, be- 
cause I feel it is to kindness and friendship, in a great degree, that I am to 
ascribe them. Very Respectfully, 

I am Your Obd't Serv't, 

A. Randall. 



ADDRESS. 



Alumni and Students of St. John's : — 

Although many years have elapsed since authority, exercised 
within these walls, has controlled my actions, yet I feel it has 
not lost its influence over me — and that is now manifested by 
this submission to what you have required. 

Whatever may be our age, or various the sterner duties of 
mature life, the parental authority never loses its power over 
our conduct, or its tenacious, though tender, hold on our affec- 
tions. So with the kindred claims of our "Alma Mater^^ — 
they come with parental associations — they bring with them 
motives of obedience though long unfelt — nay perchance for- 
gotten — ^yet, when revived, speaking in tones which cannot be 
resisted, if they would — which will not be resisted, if they 
could. 

^'He that hath nature in him," the poet says, '^must be 
grateful." Where should gratitude, except under the parentaj 
roof, or in the temple of God, find a more appropriate shrine 
for its worship than this? Here, where we first imbibed those 
elements of science and learning which expanded our faculties, 
and opened to us the great book of nature — solving many of her 
surrounding mysteries — elucidating more beyond them — and 
imparting to us twihght glimmerings of other spheres still farther 
and farther in the distance — and taught us, philosophically, to 
contemplate worlds unseen by mortal eye, whither the imagi- 
nation alone can travel. 

And beyond all, and better than all — here — where we were 
taught to collate the mysteries of this great book of nature with 



6 A N A D D R E S S , & c . 

those of the greater book of nature's God — and, unsatisfied 
with the revelations of the former — as ever will be the aspira- 
tions of the human soul — to look for those of the latter — "the 
new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteous- 
ness." 

Your invitation can the less be resisted now, when the honors 
of our Alma Mater are fewer, and her prospects not brighter. 
This should cause all her sons to cling more closely around 
her — manifest more devotion to her — and decline no service 
she may impose upon them. 

It was suggested that these very exigencies required this duty 
should be committed to talents and learning more able to set 
forth her many claims to the public patronage, and to encourage 
those who control her destinies, or instruct her sons — when a 
voice was heard rebuking that suggestion: "what is that to 
thee, follow thou me?" 

I come, therefore. Alumni and Students of St. John's, in 
obedience to your call. 

In your selection of one whose habits and happiness, since 
we here parted, to pursue our separate paths through life, have 
been devoted to the active duties of a profession, and not to the 
cultivation of general literature or science, — a design on your 
part is disclosed that the subject to be selected by him should 
aim rather at the inculcation of some principles of practical 
usefulness to the citizen, than of merely scientific or intellec- 
tual interest to the scholar. 

Our position, here, confirms this view. This, is a seat of 
the arts and sciences — whose learned professors are wont, daily, 
to impart their varied knowledge to others— and especially to 
the youthful listeners around us— some of whom, have, this day, 
evinced, how faithfully these duties have been discharged— and 
how vain any effort of mine to aid them. But however hum- 
ble one's hfe may be, so diversified are its pursuits, and so 
various are its incidents, that few attain the meridian of life 
without gathering, from observation and experience, some ma- 
terials which may be wrought into wholesome lessons, to those 
who are about to enter upon its untried realities. 

These considerations, and the national sentiments associated 
with this memorable anniversary, cause your attention, on this 



AN ADDRESS, &c. 7 

to be invited to some reflections on the Individual 
Responsibility of an American Citizen. 

Individual responsibility is ever commensurate with indi- 
vidual benefits and blessings conferred: "Where much is 
given J will much be required/' is a principle connected with 
the enjoyment of all good — as well in the recompense required 
of us to make, here, to our fellow- creatures, as in the reward 
we are to receive hereafter, at the hand of our common Creator 
and Benefactor, This just and divine law, comprehends every 
condition in life — none escape its universal application — whether 
the talent committed be an empire or a hovel — the luxury 
and wealth of the rich man, or the poverty and misery of 
Lazarus — the inestimable privileges of the American citizen, 
or the degrading servitude of the despot's slave. 

Its application to our civil blessings appears to be especially 
appropriate, because their enjoyment is confined to this life — 
and the only manifestation of our gratitude to our ancestors, for 
bestowing them upon us, is to fulfil their design in transmitting 
them, unimpaired, if not improved, to their posterity. And 
any failure of duty on our part will be the more inexcusable, 
because these blessings do not perish in the using, nor endure 
but for a season, as with earthly goods — but are enlarged and 
strengthened by our enjoyment of them — and may, and, we 
pray, will endure, as long as the earth remains. 

In order duly to appreciate this responsibility, let your atten- 
tion be called to some of these political blessings which we do 
enjoy. 

Our country must now contain about two and-a-half millions 
of square miles in one compact form. Its extent nearly equals 
that of entire Europe. England — on whose dominions the 
Sun, it is proudly said, never sets — the reveille of whose mar- 
tial music is one continuous accompaniment of the Sun, in his 
diurnal course — has not the extent of territory we possess. 

Blessed with all the varieties of climate, soil and productions 
of the temperate zones — that division of the earth which has 
ever been inhabited by the most enhghtened and moral na- 
tions — we have, within our own limits, the necessaries, com- 
forts and luxuries of life, in such variety and abundance, as 
never before were enjoyed by any people. We have aflforded 



8 AN ADDRESS, Sac. 

US every facility in obtaining these means of support — 'every 
security against the famines which, in other countries, so often 
destroy our fellow creatures. 

The inexhaustible products of the earth's surface, and the 
boundless treasures of her various minerals beneath, unite in 
offering us all that can contribute to the promotion of the arts 
and sciences, and to the happiness and greatness of an enlight- 
ened and refined people. 

This country is so intersected by its bays, lakes and rivers, 
as to remove most of the inconveniences resulting, in a com- 
mercial view, from its great extent. And, what the bountiful 
hand of nature has not effected for us, the enterprise and skill 
of our people have accomplished for themselves — ^by canals, 
rail-roads and telegraphs — thereby introducing, for the first 
time, distant and separate waters to each other, and binding 
the different sections of our country together, literally with 
bands of iron. 

Although many important works of internal improvement 
are now in progress, and many more in contemplation, whereby 
the facilities of intercourse between the different parts of this 
Union will be increased — yet even now can it be stated — that 
the intercourse between its extended extremes may be main- 
tained more expeditiously than at its formation, or any previous 
period of its less enlarged existence. 

An incident is found in the Maryland Reports,* illustrative 
of this subject. The court there decided that notice might 
be presumed to be given in Charleston, S. C, within ten 
days after its execution, of a contract made in Philadelphia. 
Luther Martin exclaimed: ^^None but an angel, on the wings 
of the wind, could givQ, notice in ten days, at such a distance !" 
How far excelling even this supposed impossibility, are the im- 
provements of our day? At present — mails and passengers, by 
sea and by land, connect these points in less than one-sixth 
part of the time which, fifty years ago, was deemed impossible 
by human agency. 

Nay more — at present we have angels — though not celes- 
tials — yet literally angels — messengers — not on the tardy wings 
of the wind, but on the wings of the telegraph — milUons of 

* Harper vs. Hampton, 1 H. &. J. 



AN ADDRESS, &c. 9 

limes swifter — to bear our messages. And a few minutes, 
only, are now required to transmit that notice, which this great 
man in his time, deemed impossible in as many days. 

This very facility of intercourse, alone, was wanted, to bind 
our Union more indissolubly together — and to prepare our 
country for the indefinite extension of our forms of government. 
The population of our country is now estimated at twenty- 
three millions. Twenty-six years hence, when we shall have 
completed the first century of our national Union, our popula- 
tion will have increased from three millions to fifty millions. 
If these same causes continue to operate for a century hence, 
it is estimated that our population will exceed one hundred and 
fifty millions— more than the present population of all Europe. 
The present unsettled state of Europe adds to these causes of 
immigration. Our recent acquisitions on the Pacific, have 
opened to the adventurous, of every nation, the richest trea- 
sures the earth has ever offered to their enterprise. 

Add to these the facilities, hitherto unknown, for immigra- 
tion, to the teeming millions of Asia's industrious and needy 
people, of which they are now availing themselves,— and then 
imagine, what cannot be delayed many years, the completion 
of the contemplated rail-road, and canal, connecting the Atlantic 
and Pacific oceans, whereby these facilities will be incalculably 
increased , and our country made the high-way between Europe 
and Asia,— and bold, indeed, is the spirit that will even attempt 
to estimate this tide^, this mighty flood of American immigration. 
If true to our country, we have nothing to apprehend from 
this increase of population. One hundred and fifty millions in 
our country, will not cause its density of population to exceed 
that of the New England States— or to be half as great as that 
of the present enlightened portions of Europe. 

Let them come I That spirit of our fathers which exiled 
ihem, has always sympathised, in their posterity, with the suc- 
cessions of immigrants that followed them— bidding them an 
ever-smiling welcome to our shores— as if, in the words ad- 
dressed on a similar occasion, by the beautiful Tyrian Q,ueen 
to Troy's exiled son: 

"flawrf ignara niali miseris succurrere disco," 



10 AN ADDRESS, &c. 

This extensive country, and its extending people, are blessed 
with a government established and maintained by themselves — 
for the preservation of their lives, liberties, and pursuits of hap- 
piness — and never has any government more completely effected 
the objects of its formation. 

Separated into many independent States, whose direct and 
internal governments, within the sphere of their powers, ad- 
minister justice and right, in the words of our Constitution, 
"freely, without sale — fully, without denial — and speedily, 
without delay." All these States united in one general govern- 
ment, " in order to form a more perfect union;" the powers of 
the whole people, in a consolidated form, having a comprehen- 
sive control over all subjects of general and international inter- 
est, executing, at home, the powers required for the government 
of all — and abroad, the powers required for the protection of 

all we are, my young friends, and should never cease to be, 

the united people of these United States. 

Such have been our country, people and government, for 
three-fourths of a centuiy — such are the prospects now opening 
before us — such^ we pray, may they be realized ! 

But, my young friends — all governments originate and are 
supported by human means; and what men can build, men 
can destroy. We have, then, no other means for the preserva- 
tion of ours, than our ancestors had for its establishment- 
strong hands — ^bold hearts — and wise heads — an ardent devo- 
tion to the cause of liberty, justice, and morality — united with 
an humble dependence on Him who, alone, can bless the com- 
bined action of all. 

Erroneous opinions prevail among us that the early settle- 
ments of our ancestors, and their successful establishment of 
the governments under which we live, were accomplished 
through some special agency of the Deity, endowing them with 
extraordinary wisdom, power, and patriotism; that these virtues 
no longer exist among us, their degenerate posterity — but were 
buried with them in their graves — and that all succeeding 
generations are more and more corrupt and corrupting — and 
that, sooner or later, these governments must terminate in 
anarchy or despotism ! 

These statements are untrue — and I trust these predictions 
will prove equally so. 



AN ADDRESS, &c. H 

Whether they originate in gratitude to those departed spirits, 
who have blessed not only their day and generation, but suc- 
ceeding ages — or are attributable to the delusions which origi- 
nate in the fables of the classical poets, teaching us that the 
gods came down, and founded, or maintained, or ruined em- 
pires, we need not inquire. 

Better to take the instruction of one of these great classic 
poets — who directs us never to introduce the agency of a god, 
unless the object to be effected by it, require his interposition : 

"JS/ec Deus inteisit nisi vindice nodus." 

The early history of mankind, in most countries, is no bet- 
ter — often worse — than that which succeeds it. If the first man 
born into the world killed the second — his own brother — how 
lamentably few must have been the days of primeval innocence? 
The twin founders of Rome were thrown into the Tiber to 
be drowned, by their guardian and next of kin — and, though 
miraculously preserved, to lay the foundations of that city, yet 
were these very foundations stained by the blood of one of 
them — • 

*' We heard, indeed, of golden innocence unrestrained ; — 
A pagan tale." 

The early history of our country, although it may be favor- 
ably compajed to any upon earth, has yet many a blot upon 
its pages, which the patriots of succeeding ages may often have 
prayed the recording angel to drop a tear and blot out forever — 
but they still stand — and should ever stand as a beacon for our 
guidance, and a rebuke to our pride. 

The truth is, the formation of this present government was 
the gradual development of natural and moral causes — for the 
most part unappreciated by the very actors themselves — which, 
sooner or later, would have produced the same effects — even if 
these actors had not then co-operated. The early settlers at 
James Town, Plymouth Rock, and St. Mary's, never supposed 
they were laying the foundation of this mighty structure, when 
they fled from the persecutions of the old world to seek an asy- 
lum in the new — so, those who from time to time succeeded 
them, and built upon these foundations were not blessed, even 
with a vision, of what their efforts were accomplishing. 

"When our revolutionary fathers began their resistance to the 
encroachments of the mother country, they did not contemplate 



12 AN ADDRESS, &c. 

the establishment of a separate government. They did not 
desire it — nay they sincerely protested against it — and not until 
about the time of the Declaration of Independence, did some 
of the States repeal their instructions forbidding this separation. 

Let not this be misunderstood: No man feels a warmer grati- 
tude to our ancestors than he who now addresses you — and 
nothing could be said by him indicating a different sentiment. 
His object is to resist the opinions that they were peculiarly 
endowed with qualities to establish our liberties — or that we 
are wanting in the means of perpetuating them. 

These notions that any men, or set of men, held in their 
keeping the liberties or destinies of this people, whether they 
existed at the times of the revolution, or since, is unfounded in 
fact, and unconstitutional in form. It is a part of the errors 
among us which magnify, above their merit, the actions of our 
rulers — and degrade below their desert those of the nation; 
which impute all the responsibility of the government to the 
agents in power, and release from this responsibility those who 
place them there. 

From the first settlement of our countiy to this day — it owes 
its power, its prosperity, and its government, to the indepen- 
dence, the inteUigence, the energy and morality of its people — • 
of its entire people — not of the so-called great men — not of the 
politicians — but of the masses of the people — the nation at 
large. And this same power, prosperity and government of our 
country, are to be preserved and perpetuated only by continuing 
to cultivate, among the entire people, this same independence, 
intelligence, energy and morality. 

This is to be accomplished by the co-operation of all — • 
extending wider and ;wider among the people the blessings of 
an enlightened mind, and of a purified heart. Let primary 
schools scatter, broadcast, throughout this land, their blessings 
— ^^and institutions for the liberal education of youth in the 
principles of virtue, knowledge, and useful literature, be pro- 
moted and encouraged" — in the words of our charter — '^to 
train up and perpetuate a succession of able and honest men 
for discharging the various offices and duties of life, both civil 
and religious, with usefulness and reputation" — and much is 
effected to discharge our duty and to bless our country. 



AN ADDRESS, &c. 13 

In the production of this important result, you, my youthful 
hearers, have your part to perform. You compose a portion 
of that generation who will soon stand where we now do — to 
assume the responsibilities of citizens of this Repubhc. Let 
the manner in which this duty should be performed occupy a 
few of our reflections. 

Make it one of your first principles to devote all your facul- 
ties and powers to the improvement and happiness of your 
fellow citizens. It was a noble sentiment of a distinguished 
American "if you have but a day to live, devote it to your 
country's service." 

To effect this object, my young friends, — store your minds 
with all the learning your college course will afford; though 
its utility may not, at present, be appreciated by you. Bear in 
mind this course has been completed by those who prescribe 
it to you. They enjoy the benefits of the studies — and can, 
therefore, confidently recommend them to you. Study faith- 
fully, upon their recommendation — and, like them, may you 
live to reap the expected harvest. As the parts, separately 
examined, of any other structure of art, cannot be properly 
understood, or duly appreciated — and, until the whole are uni- 
ted, the design is not disclosed, nor its fitness admired — so the 
separate studies of your college course may not now be duly 
appreciated. You must complete the whole to know their 
value, and duly admire their worth. 

In the world, as in the college, you will find that ceaseless 
vigorous exertions alone secure success. He who begins life 
expecting its visions of fancy to be realized — and that a suc- 
cession of fortunate events will shoot up, spontaneously, in 
his path, for his enjoyment, will soon be sadly disappointed. 
The occasional efforts of those who dissipate their time, will 
terminate in the world, as in the class, with disappointment 
and disgrace. Whereas there, as here, the first honors and the 
richest rewards, are assigned to the patient continuance in well 
doing. Let "Omnia vincet labor, ^^ be your motto. 

Brilliant natural endowments may sometimes dazzle and 
astonish — but the steady efforts even of ordinary minds, sooner 
or later, will elevate their possessors above those who, in earlier 
life, began with brighter prospects and more sanguine hopes. 



14 AN ADDRESS, &c. 

Like the meteors, whose sudden and brilliant course across 
the heavens may, for a moment, eclipse the steady light of the 
fixed stars, yet soon are lost in gloom and death — while the 
stars they had hid, again shine forth in their lustre, seeming 
but the brighter from the darkness succeeding the meteor's 
glare. 

Study, especially, the history of your own country — and 
of your own countrymen. There is much so peculiar in 
what is American, that the history of the old world is compara- 
tively unimportant to you. The foundations of our Republic 
were laid in the times of the reformation in religion and in 
government. Then men thought vigorously and acted inde- 
pendently. Think for yourself, with these great men and 
noble deeds before you, that you may be qualified to act for 
yourself — think and act for yourself that you may be qualified 
to think and act for others. 

Value knowledge, whether acquired from men or from 
books, only in proportion as it is capable of contributing to the 
happiness of yourself and others. 

Your exertions are not to be confined to the mere acquisition 

of knowledge. Endeavor by reflection and meditation, to 

appropriate all the knowledge you acquire to the improvement 

of your own hearts and minds. This food of the mind, like 

that of the body, does not promote its healthful action, and 

growth, unless properly digested and assimilated. 

" Knowledge is a rude unprofitable mass, 
The mere materials with which wisdom builds ; 
Till smoothed and squared, and fitted to its place, 
Doth but encumber whom it seems to enrich." 

We are bound no^, only to use our faculties, but to enlarge 
and improve them. The faculties are the talent committed to 
our care — the improvement is our contribution — what is requir- 
ed of us. Like him in the parable, we shall stand condemned, 
as wicked and slothful servants, if we but render back our 
Lord's talent. 

When your studies here are completed — select some useful 
calling in life — whatever may be your condition in society. 
It is due to your country, by your own contributions to the 
commonwealth, at least to restore what you have taken from it. 
It is required of you by your God : " Six days shalt thou 



AN ADDRESS, &c. 15 

labor," is as imperative a command as any in the decalogue ; 
and is enjoined in imitation of Him who, '^^in six days made 
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is." 

Qualify yourself for the discharge of your calling, with the 
same system and study required in your classes. 

You bear in your hand the seal of your '^ Ahna Mater, ^'' — 
study its emblem and its motto — they are her parting advice to 
you. Worthy of her — worthy of her sons. Let them accom- 
plish their design. Upon its front, the temple of Fame is 
seen, elevated on a proud summit — far above the aspirant — 
with rugged rocks and pathless wilds between — whilst he, 
below, nothing daunted, with steady eye fixed upward, and 
bold heart and strong arm pressing onward,, is ever encouraged 
by her Motto : '■' Est nulla via invia virtuii.^' 

When you enter into active life, bear in mind all the honors 
and wealth of the Nation are open to your acquisition. Thou- 
sands of her most exalted sons had not the advantages you 
possess. There are no other limitations upon you, than those 
which your own capacities and exertions impose upon your- 
selves. No privileged orders here to monopolize high places — 
no aristocracy here but of the intellect — no nobility here but of 
the heart. Here, emphatically, is it true, " quisquis sucBfortu- 
nm faber.^^ Fortune may sometimes, in her heathen blind- 
ness, scatter her gifts among the worthless — and the worthy — 
without discrimination — but these are of rare occurrence in our 
country. 

If this discriminating practical people were required, in our 
day, to personify this goddess, methinks she would not be 
described in the poet's language : 

" On high, where hoarse winds and clouds resort, 
The hood-wink 'd goddess keeps her partial court. — 
Upon a wheel of amethyst she sits." — 

No ! Her hood- winked eyes would be uncovered — and she, 
endowed with extraordinary powers of vision, would walk 
among men to reward them according to their worth — or, in 
lieu of this unstable wheel, be seated on a rock of adamant. 

Thus prepared, my young friends, by education and profes- 
sion, you go forth into your country's service. Here you find, 
in theory and in practice, that the people rule. Theirs are the 



16 AN ADDRESS, &.c< 

legislative, judicial, and executive powers, variously modifiedi 
Those who exercise this authority are the temporary agents 
of the people — -with certain limited powers — under laws impos- 
ing corresponding restrictions upon the people themselves. The 
wisdom and morality, therefore, required for the proper admin- 
istration of public affairs under our government^ must be 
possessed by the people^ generally — which, in other govern- 
ments, without injuiy to their systems, may be confined to the 
few who rule. All here rule — all here, therefore, must be 
qualified to rule — else, just in that proportion as they are not so 
qualified, there will be a mal-administration of public affairs. 

Each man has his part to perform in the discharge of these 
duties. Each man holds, in his own individual keeping, a 
part of the sovereignty of this mighty nation — for the faithful 
discharge of which he is individually responsible. This duty 
is to be discharged according to your own enlightened under- 
standing — whether you go with the smooth current of popular 
opinion, or resist its torrent* 

In the primaiy exercise of power, each citizen acts for him- 
self. If all the nation differ from him, he still must do his 
duty, according to his own conscience — ^and if needs be, oppose 
the whole nation. This individual, independent, action of 
the citizen, in the exercise of his primary rights, is absolutely 
required, to secure our liberties — and is to be repeated whenever 
our vote or our voice is required in the discharge of these high 
duties. It may be called our duty as a citizen sovereign. 

But you have equally important duties to perform of a very 
different character — duties, if I may so call them — of a citizen 
subject. Of a citizen, subject to the laws enacted by the peo- 
ple — subject to the rulers elected by the people— ^whether these 
laws or rulers meet with your approbation or not. 

Great evils result from our failure properly to discriminate! 
between these two different duties. — The duty of the citizen 
exercising his own independent power-— and the duty of the 
same citizen submitting to the laws. And it is the gloiy of 
our system, when duly administered, that these two duties, 
apparently so opposed, do, in fact, harmonize, in such perfect 
concord. But, when the citizen, in the exercise of his sovereign 
rights, subjects his independence to any man, or party of men, 



ANADDRESS,&c ]7 

he is untrue to his country's trust. And so is lie, whenever he 
refuses to submit, as a citizen, to the laws or rulers of the peo- 
ple constitutionally appointed. 

Differences of opinion;, as to men to rule^, and measures to be 
adopted, will exist. It may be doubted if their existence does 
not produce wholesome influences upon the pubhc mind, in 
eliciting that conflict of opinion so important in the investigation 
of truth. When these differences generally prevail, they pro- 
duce combinations of citizens to effect the measures they pre- 
fer — hence political parties in the state. 

If the end to be attained be worthy of their formation we 

may, we ought, my young friends, to unite with those whose 
principles we approve — and aid^ by our influence, to carry them 
into practice. But this is always to be done subserviently to 
the higher duty of promoting our country's welfare. And so 
soon as the principles of any party w-e have joined, are found 
to be at variance with the public good, duty requires us to 
abandon it. That ruthless, reckless spirit, which disregards 
the claims of our fellow citizens, and violates our obligations to 
our common country, in the pursuit of mere party victory, is 
unworthy of one who claims to be an American citizen. Party 
victory is to be won, and its laurels to be worn, that our entire 
Country may be benefitted, and its best interest promoted. 

But, as citizens, we are not only responsible for our own 
conduct, but for the conduct of others who are influenced by 
our example. How ready and weak our excuses for the failure 
properly to discharge this duty? Who duly considers its fearful 
responsibility? 

^'Am I my brother's keeper?" was the vain effort of the 
first murderer to escape the responsibility of that relation in 
which his very inquiry assumes his Creator had placed him. 
We all are our brother's keepers — and, in an especial man- 
ner, does this apply to our civil rights and privileges, where all 
act on the rights of each, and each acts on the rights of all. 
All belong to the same political family — and share in the weal 
or the woe resulting from the acts of each of its members. 

And here, too, let us never forget that all have some influ- 
ence, no matter how small it may seem to be — it is not lost — 
it may elicit a spark which may kindle in a bosom the flame of 
patriotism that the whole nation may feel and bless. 
3 



18 AN ADDRESS, &c. 

Take an example in our own times. When the French 
Revolution of '48, burst, volcano-hke, upon the astonished 
world — all restraints of society were broken loose — the worst 
passions of the worst men were at large — ^government dissolved 
— anarchy abroad in the land — each man left to his own unde- 
fined ideas of liberty — all in fearful apprehension of another 
bloody reign of teiTor. At that crisis a voice was heard above 
tlie tumult of the multitudes — an'esting their attention : warn- 
ing, entreating, persuading; — his country's and freedom's ad- 
vocate. By his master-spirit the storm was lulled, and there 
was a calm — order was restored, a government estabhshed — and 
now a peaceful republic there exists over a free and mighty 
people. I need not add, this illustrious man is La Martine ; — 
or that his character was formed by the gentle influence of his 
pious mother — that mother's memory will be as immortal as 
the fame of her son. 

Public opinion in this country is omnipotent. No man is 
elevated so high as to be above its influence — no man so low 
as to be disregarded by it. Its convictions and acquittals are 
without appeal or pardon — and none have ever the benefit of 
a new trial from its verdict. It is the basis on which our laws, 
constitutions, and governments, stand. How immensely im- 
portant is it, that this public opinion should be enlightened — 
considerately formed — and deliberately executed. Yet is it 
the mere combination of individual opinions. Each man, nay, 
each woman and child, aids in its mighty effects. True, those 
whose elevated positions in society have the greater agency in 
its formation, have, of course, the greater responsibility — ^but 
all have their proper share — and the least is not lost. 

Philosophers tell liS that every voice uttered, produces vibra- 
tions in the atmosphere, which, however small, pervade the 
whole; and that multitudes of those shght vibrations combined, 
cause the most extensive agitation. So, often, in the political 
atmosphere, revolutions, the most extended and fundamental, 
are produced by the union of multitudes of men, whose indi- 
vidual influence never, before, was felt in the community. 

We all have a part to perform in making up this public 
opinion. And here, as in our sovereign capacity, we must act 
independently ; for ourselves, individually — and continue to 
act, yielding to no influences except the dictates of our own 



AN ADDRESS, &c. 19 

consciences; until this public opinion is embodied in our laws, 
or the decisions of our courts. Then, as good citizens, what- 
ever may be our own private opinions, we are to submit and to 
obey. 

It is here an error exists in our country. We are too apt to 
attribute to the ephemeral, unascertained, and unascertainable 
public opinion, which floats upon the surface of society, and 
''^is driven about by every wind of doctrine," a high ap- 
preciation ; — and, on the other hand, that long estabhshed, 
written, public opinion, embodied in the laws, is sometimes 
disregarded. 

Take, for example, the crime of duelling — or any of those 
manslaughters, under extenuating circumstances, which some- 
times occur. Though these crimes be condemned by the 
plainest and severest penalties of the law, yet, strange to say, 
to a certain extent, they go unpunished, because public opinion 
is not on the side of the law. Those who nobly avow their 
determination to obey the laws of God and man, in the matter, 
and to disregard this blood-thirsty public opinion, are not always 
exempt from the sneer of so?ne who are not vulgar, or the scorn 
of some who are not weak. Do those escape responsibility who 
defend these practices, or admire these parties, though they, 
themselves, may never have taken part in a deadly strife ? Is 
all the criminality to be visited upon the heads of those, who, 
goaded on by this corrupt public opinion, engage in the fatal 
conflict ! Or is he who, alone, may survive, like the scape- 
goat of old, to bear away the sins of the whole people? 

It cannot be, my young friends. All who countenance 
these crimes by look, word or deed — in the motive, or in the 
action, stand, in some degree, guilty of the blood that is shed, 
and many who are even ready to congratulate themselves that 
they are "^pure of the blood of all men," may yet find its stains 
upon their consciences, caused by their sanction given to, or 
not withheld, from this corrupt pubhc opinion. And if ever 
that conduct contribute, in the least degree, to the fall of one 
they love, how poignant their grief? 

" Keen will be their pangs ; — but keener far to feel 
They nursed the pinion that impelled the steel!" 

This is only one of the many instances, in which we permit 
public opinion to be vitiated, by failing in our duty to correct 
its first prejudices. 



20 ANADDRESS, &c. 

To what other cause can be ascribed the vain threatenings of 
vainer politicians, north and south, to dissolve this Union — now 
heard throughout this country — which that Union has pre- 
served and blessed? 

At such a time as this, and on this memorable anniversary, 
it cannot be inappropriate to recall to your minds some of the 
parting advice of the Father of his country. Happy would be 
the result, if this Farewell Address of Washington were annu- 
ally read, on this day, to his assembled countrymen ! It com- 
bines the affection of a father with the patriotism of a hero ; — 
the wisdom of a statesman with the inspiration of a prophet ! 

'' The unity of government, which constitutes you one peo- 
ple, is also now dear to you. It is justly so ; for it is a main 
pillar in the edifice of your real independence ; the support of 
your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad j of your safety ; 
of your prosperity ; of that very liberty which you so highly 
prize. But, as it is easy to foresee, that, from different causes, 
and from difTerent quarters, much pains will be taken, many 
artifices employed, to weaken, in your minds, the conviction of 
this truth ; as this is the point in your political fortress, against 
which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be 
most constantly and actively, (though often covertly and insid- 
iously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should 
properly estimate the immense value of your National Union, 
to your collective and individual happiness 5 that you should 
cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable, attachment to it ; 
accustoming 5^ourselves to think and speak of it as of the 
palladium of your political safety and prosperity ; watching for 
its preservation with jealous anxiety ; discountenancing what- 
ever may suggest even a suspicion that it can, in any event, be 
abandoned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning 
of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from 
the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together 
the various parts." 

((##«## You have, in a common cause, fought and 
triumphed together : the independence and liberty you possess 
are the work of joint councils and joint efforts, of common dan- 
gers, sufferings, and successes." 



AN ADDRESS, &c. 21 

The last Advice to his Country j of James Madison, who, 
more than any other man, deserves the appellation of the 
Father of the Constitution, contains too precious a legacy to be 
here omitted : 

"ADVICE TO MY COUNTRY." 

'^As this advice, if it ever see the light, will not do it till I 
am no more, it may be considered as issuing from the tomb, 
where truth alone can be respected, and the happiness of man 
alone consulted. It will be entitled, therefore, to whatever 
weight can be derived from good intentions ; and from the 
experience of one who has served his country, in various sta- 
tions, through a period of forty years; who espoused in his 
youth, and adhered through life, to the cause of its liberty, and 
who has borne a part in most of the great transactions which 
will constitute epochs of its destiny. 

'^ The advice nearest to my heart, and deepest in my con- 
victions, is, that the ' Uiiion of the States^ be cherished and 
perpetuated. Let the avowed enemy to it be regarded as 
Pandora, with her box opened, and the disguised ones, the 
serpent, creeping with his deadly wiles, into paradise." 

Among the many appropriate decorations of the Capitol at 
Washington, nothing should more attract our attention than 
two beautiful white marble carvings in the Senate-chamber. 

One of these represents a seated gigantic figure — holding in 
his parted hands the ends of a bundle of staves bound together — 
as the ^fasces,'' borne before the Roman consuls, used to be — 
now an emblem of our country's power. These staves, thus 
bound together, the strong man, against his uplifted knee, in 
vain strives to break — their united strength resists all his efforts. 

The other sculpture represents these sameyasces dis-united — 
their bond of union broken — and a group of thoughtless chil- 
dren, snapping them, singly, asunder — and sporting with their 
scattered fragments. 

O ! what a solemn vv^arning do these silent emblems ever 
proclaim to those who sit in that hall ? To all — who, in that 
Capitol, represent this now poioerful — because united people. 

May that warning be heard and heeded throughout all time, 
and the catastrophe they prefigure be forever averted ! 



22 ANADDRESS,&c. 

Often, before, have these warnings of our Fathers been heard 
and heeded by the American People — and their patriotism has 
borne them triumphant through more troublous times. 

Let us, as individual citizens, do our duty — and, in the 

inspired words of one of St. John's noblest sons : — * 

" TMs be our motto : ' In God is our trust?' 
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the braye!'' 



* Francis S. Key, Esq'r — an Alumnus of St. John's. 



